Ann Arbor Bicentennial

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​​​​​​​​Bicentennial C​losing Ceremony

​You're cordially invited to attend the city's final bicentennial celebration on December 14 at Skyline High School. The reception and art exhibit will begin at 6 p.m. with the formal program following at 8 p.m. The event will include refreshments, an art exhibit, commemorative pictures, Aerie oral history program, interactive Tree of Hopes and Dreams, a “The next 100 years”​performance by area high school students, musical entertainment by Skyline High School musicians, stage production of “Ann Arbor then, now, next," bicentennial poem by Aaron Dworkin and a showing of Community Television Network's happy birthday Ann Arbor video. Thank you to our event sponsors: The City of Ann Arbor, DTE, Bank of Ann Arbor and Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online​ and are $10 per person. 

Quick Links

Bicentennial Timeline

​1824 -1899
 Starting in 1824, when John Allen and Elisha Rumsey registered the name of Ann Arbor. Learn when Ann Arbor incorporated as a village and then incorporated as a City. The University of Michigan started. Michigan was admitted to the Union. Learn the origin of the first stores, schools, churches, as well as the first City Council, Board of Public Works, City Assessor, and Fire Board. 1824-1899 Timeline

1900 -1999

The University of Michigan wins its first National Football Championship.Michigan football stadium is built. The Michigan Theater and State Theatre open their doors. Presidential hopeful, John F. Kennedy, speaks in Ann Arbor proposing what would become the Peace Corps. Gerald Ford plays football at U-M. The Ann Arbor Art Fair begins and Zingerman's Deli is opened. ​​1900-1999 Timeline


2000 - 2024
A proposition to legalize medical marijuana in Ann Arbor is approved. The Ann Arbor Townie Fair and Sonic Lunch events begin. Bob Dylan plays at Crisler Arena. Leslie Science and Nature Center​ opens. Public Arts Commission created. The City of Ann Arbor adopts A2ZERO, a plan for achieving community-wide carbon neutrality. The Bicentennial Committee begins its work. 2000-2024 Timeline

Legacy Projects

Several projects have been chosen to allow our community to contribute to a piece of Ann Arbor that will transcend 2024 and create a legacy for future Ann Arborites to enjoy. These fundraising effort are part of the City of Ann Arbor’s bicentennial goal to invest in and improve accessibility for historically disenfranchised and marginalized populations in Ann Arbor.

​The James L. Crawford Elks Lodge
For over 100 years, the James L. Crawford Elks Lodge has played a critical role for the African-American community in Ann Arbor. Your donation will help repair and restore the Crawford Elks Lodge to a sustainable operating condition. Let’s ensure it thrives for years to come. Donate

Bicentennial Park 
Located at the corner of Ellsworth Road and Platt Road, Southeast Area Park was renamed Bicentennial Park with a plan to improve the park. Help fund a transformation that will enhance the lives of some of the most underserved communities in Ann Arbor. The project will provide opportunities for families from these communities and Ann Arbor to share happy, healthy, fun experiences. Donate

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